Children’s health: Why e-scooters are unsafe for children

Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, showing up on neighborhood streets, sidewalks and bike paths. For many kids, they look like fun, and are an easy way to get around. But doctors say e-scooters are not toys, and they can be very dangerous for children and teens.

“Electric scooters are much faster and heavier than traditional kick scooters,” said Dr. Megan Attridge, an emergency medicine physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “We are seeing more kids come into the emergency department with serious injuries related to e-scooters, and many of those injuries are preventable.”

Unlike regular scooters that rely on pushing with a foot, electric scooters are powered by a motor and battery. Many can reach speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour with very little effort from the rider. At those speeds, a fall or crash can cause injuries similar to those seen in bike or even car accidents.

Because of these risks, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 should not ride or operate electric scooters. Illinois law is even stricter, limiting electric scooter use in public spaces to riders who are 18 and older. That means children and teens are not legally allowed to ride them on streets, sidewalks or other public areas.

“Kids often don’t realize how fast they’re going until something goes wrong,” Dr. Attridge said. “They may not have the judgment or reaction time needed to safely handle traffic, uneven pavement or sudden stops.”

At Lurie Children’s, doctors have noticed a clear rise in e-scooter-related injuries. While kids commonly fall during play, injuries from electric scooters tend to be more severe than those from playground accidents or bike falls.

Head injuries are among the most common and most serious. These include concussions, skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Many children who are hurt were not wearing helmets, or were wearing helmets not designed for high-speed devices.

Facial injuries are also frequent. “We often see injuries to the face and teeth when kids are thrown over the handlebars,” Dr. Attridge said. Broken noses, jaw fractures and dental injuries can require surgery and long recovery times.

Doctors also see complex bone fractures, especially in the arms, elbows and shoulders. Instead of a simple wrist fracture, children may need casts, surgery or physical therapy. Severe road rash is another concern. Sliding across pavement at high speeds can cause deep wounds that require specialized care and can leave permanent scars.

Many of these injuries happen when kids ride at night, ride on sidewalks or try to weave through traffic. Riding without protective gear greatly increases the risk of serious harm.

“Parents are often surprised by how severe these injuries can be,” Dr. Attridge said. “Electric scooters may look small, but the injuries we see are not.”

For families with older teens and adults who use electric scooters, safety matters. Wearing a helmet is critical. Helmets should be certified and appropriate for the speed of the device. Riders should also wear closed-toe shoes and consider protective pads for the knees, elbows and wrists. Using lights and reflective gear can help riders be seen, and headphones should be avoided so traffic can be heard.

Even with safety gear, experts say children should not be on electric scooters at all. Their developing brains, smaller bodies and limited experience make it harder for them to react quickly and make safe decisions in busy environments.

“Our goal is not to take fun away from kids,” Dr. Attridge said. “It’s to keep them safe and out of the emergency room so they can keep enjoying the activities that help them grow and stay healthy.”

As electric scooters continue to grow in popularity, doctors urge parents and caregivers to understand the risks and follow age recommendations and local laws. Choosing safer ways for kids to play and get around can make a big difference in preventing serious injuries and protecting children’s long-term health.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.